Shongololo Lounge at Johannesburg International Airport named

Best Airport Lounge in Africa and the Middle East

Middle East - 17 June 2014 – Shongololo Lounge at Johannesburg International Airport has been named this year’s Best Airport Lounge in Africa and the Middle East region at the prestigious Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards. Now in their tenth year, the awards recognise excellence within the Priority Pass network of over 700 airport lounges worldwide.

The Shongolo Lounge faced tough competition from 87 other Priority pass partner lounges across Africa and the Middle East, but the relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere along with the African themed décor, helped convince Priority Pass members that it was the best airport lounge out of the selection.

Charmaine Richards, General Manager, Menzies Aviation from the Shongololo Lounge said: “We are delighted that we have received this prestigious award. We feel that our lounge showcases the best of African luxury and hospitality. We pride ourselves on our warm and professional staff which makes the essential difference to our travellers. We know how to deliver both business facilities and luxury to our travellers and we’re pleased that it is clearly being recognised by our members.”

South Africa's scenic beauty, culinary excellence and sunny climate have made it a popular holiday destination for travellers across the world. Ten million people visit South Africa each year and with Johannesburg being the main gateway into the country, the provision of airport lounges and other facilities are crucial to serve the wide range of travellers passing through.

Stephen Simpson, Global Marketing Director for Priority Pass, said: “As airports become busier, we believe the lounge is a key moment of truth for a new global class of discerning consumers. This group is looking for smart ways to upgrade their lifestyles, for example using lounge access as a means to travel in style and comfort, without going to the expense of business class flights. Brands wishing to reach this increasingly savvy group should ensure lounge access sits front and centre of any customer incentive programme”.

“We congratulate the Shongololo Lounge on its achievement. Over the past 10 years, Priority Pass’s Lounge of the Year Awards have given the most comprehensive overview of the quality of the world’s airport lounges based on members’ own opinions. In order to win, lounges must demonstrate the strongest commitment to excellence, day in, day out.”

Priority Pass received over 84,000 votes from members in this year’s poll, an increase of 44 percent compared with last year. Members vote on a set of criteria covering overall lounge quality, including refreshments, staff, business facilities and overall ambience.

Recognition for Bahrain and Dubai

The Dilmun Lounge at Bahrain International Airport was highly commended for the African and Middle East region and also named global best for business facilities. This is the seventh time that the Dilmun Lounge has won an award, having previously won the Best Lounge in the Middle East and Africa region four times, and the Best Refreshments award once.

Dubai International Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport was named for having the best refreshments. The lounge caters to the wide cross section of guests that pass through and the refreshments are made to suit all times of the day and all types of travellers. This is also the seventh time that Dubai International Business Class Lounge has won an award, including being the regional winner twice in 2006 and 2007.

The overall global award went to Club Kingston, at Kingston Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica.